Thousands of members of the Equity Farmers Association across Kebbi State have endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu, for a second term in office, citing their administrations’ commitment to agricultural development and support for farmers.
The endorsement was announced when members of the association, led by its State Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Goje, paid a solidarity visit to Governor Idris at the Government House, Birnin Kebbi.
Speaking during the visit, Goje said the decision to endorse the President and the Governor was informed by the numerous interventions introduced by their administrations to strengthen the agricultural sector and improve the livelihoods of farmers, particularly the distribution of free agricultural inputs, including fertilisers and solar-powered water pumping machines.
He emphasised that the endorsement was entirely voluntary and independently funded by members of the association, stressing that neither the government nor any individual sponsored or compelled them to demonstrate their support.
“This decision was taken by us, and we sponsored ourselves to come here. Nobody asked us or sponsored us. We are 100 per cent committed to the success of the APC from top to bottom,” he declared.
A statement by Ahmed Idris,
Chief Press Secretary to the Kebbi State Governor said the association’s chairman further announced that its members had collectively resolved to support all APC candidates in the forthcoming elections, describing continuity in governance as necessary to sustain the gains recorded in the agricultural sector.
“We, the members of the Equity Farmers Association, have agreed to vote for the APC and ensure continuity. You have supported us tremendously through the provision of free agricultural inputs. We have also come with a donation of 20 bags of rice for the Governor,” Goje said.
He disclosed that members of the association had obtained their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and were prepared to participate in the forthcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Women’s Leader of the association, Hajiya Raliya Abubakar, commended Governor Idris for his administration’s sustained commitment to supporting and empowering women farmers across the state.
She disclosed that the association had embarked on mobilisation and sensitisation campaigns across all 21 local government areas to encourage women farmers to embrace self-reliance, improve their agricultural activities and appreciate government interventions in the sector.
Abubakar particularly applauded the Governor for providing free fertilisers and solar-powered water pumping machines, describing the interventions as significant support for women engaged in farming.
In his remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Power and Political Affairs, Alhaji Kabir Sani-Giant, urged Governor Idris to remain grateful to Almighty God for the confidence and overwhelming goodwill being demonstrated by different groups across the state.
He also encouraged members of the association to ensure that they obtained their PVCs and participated actively in the democratic process.
Responding, Governor Nasir Idris expressed profound appreciation to the association for its solidarity, confidence and support for his administration, describing the endorsement as an encouragement to sustain the development-oriented policies of his government.
The Governor particularly appreciated the members for their visit and the presentation of 20 bags of rice, noting that the gesture reflected their recognition of the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of farmers and strengthening agricultural production across Kebbi State.
He reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to prioritise agriculture as a major driver of economic growth, food security and rural development, assuring farmers that his government would continue to provide the necessary support to enhance productivity and improve their livelihoods.
Governor Idris further disclosed that arrangements had been concluded to provide support to farmers for the forthcoming dry-season farming, assuring them that his administration would sustain its agricultural interventions and extend assistance to other vulnerable groups in society.
He urged members of the association to remain steadfast in their commitment to the ideals they had expressed, while reaffirming his administration’s determination not to relent in its efforts to empower farmers, expand agricultural opportunities and consolidate the achievements recorded in the sector.
